Estate planning is an indispensable service, offering clarity and peace of mind for individuals and families. It determines not only how assets and investments will be allocated but also outlines crucial health care decisions. Shockingly, however, two-thirds of Americans haven’t completed any form of estate planning, leaving these vital decisions—and the future of their dependents and assets—in the hands of the state. The emotional and financial turmoil that can result from this lack of planning is precisely why every individual, regardless of the amount of money they have in the bank or elsewhere, should prioritize having an estate plan.
Financial advisors who utilize Trust & Will understand this deeply. In a recent survey, almost half of Trust & Will-affiliated advisors said that even individuals between no net worth and $50,000 need estate planning services. By contrast, non-affiliated advisors felt investors needed at least $250,000 in assets before estate planning is of benefit. Despite these differing perspectives, a remarkable 97% of all surveyed advisors agree on one thing: estate planning is essential. Another stark contrast emerged around pricing. Non-affiliated advisors reported charging anywhere from $5 to $30,000 for estate planning services—a wildly inconsistent range that can leave clients confused. In comparison, Trust & Will-utilizing advisors benefit from our platform's standardized pricing model, which delivers clear and transparent rates, alongside customizable services, allowing advisors to offer affordable and tailored solutions with confidence.
Despite its clear benefits, estate planning remains underutilized. Fifty-two percent of advisors surveyed offer estate planning to their clients, but one-third have never provided this service. Trust & Will-utilizing advisors know the power of estate planning in their practice. The numbers speak for themselves:
54% of advisors found estate planning strengthened their client relationships.
25% of advisors reported an increase of assets under management (AUM) as a result of estate planning.
13% of advisors called out estate planning as directly correlated to more client acquisition. (This is a higher acquisition rate than their non-Trust & Will using peers, by the way.)
Nearly one third of advisors retained almost all of their client’s assets after they passed away, which could show the client loyalty, even after death, that comes from offering estate planning.
And yet, almost a quarter (23%) of advisors surveyed don’t have their own estate plans in place. The primary reasons for this were the perceptions that they didn’t need estate plans or that they haven’t had time to do this. Trust & Will-affiliated advisors know better—our platform simplifies the process, enabling clients to complete an estate plan in much less time than the traditional route. The cumbersome, often years-long traditional process is dramatically shortened through Trust & Will’s streamlined technology.
Trust & Will believes estate planning should be accessible, affordable and simple — so everyone can participate in it. It’s encouraging to know many of the advisors who utilize our platform feel the same way.
The future of estate planning is no longer reserved for the wealthy or the well-connected. With Trust & Will, every advisor has the tools to offer comprehensive estate planning that is both accessible and impactful. It’s a revolution in the making—and our advisors are leading the charge. The choice is simple: be an advisor who perpetuates the old barriers, or one who champions a new, inclusive approach to estate planning. Which advisor will you be?
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